Assistive Technology Resource
Guide:
Dianne Durst
ED860
Overview of Assistive Technology
Instructor: Mrs. Kendra Bittner
This guide provides you with a list of different websites to visit for more information on assistive technology, the laws, the
assistive technology process, assessment, funding, and information on organizations and list servers who provide funding,
information and other services in regards to assistive technology. Below each website you will find a brief summary of the
information that you will find while visiting the site.
Table of Contents:
General Knowledge ……………………………………………………………………………. 3-5
In this section you will find links to go to for general information about Assistive Technology.
At Laws and Educational Laws ………………………………………………………………6-8
In this section you will find links to sites which provide information on the Assistive Technology and Educational Laws.
AT Process ……………………………………………………………………………………...9-10
In this section you will find links to sites with information on the Assistive Technology process, from making the initial decision to recommend
AT to following through after AT devices have been approved.
AT Assessments ………………………………………………………………………………11-13
In this section you will find information on websites about the assessment process, how to follow the process, the steps of the process and more.
Funding Sources ………………………………………………………………………………14-16
In this section you will find links to information on funding sources and equipment loan programs.
AT Associations/lists servers………………………………………………………………….17-18
In this section you will find links to sites with information on specific organizations which provide loan services, funding information,
equipment loans, etc.
Abbreviations: Used in throughout this guide.
AT: Assistive Technology
ADA: Americans with Disabilities Act
IEP: Individualized Education Program
SETT: Student Environment Tasks Tools
IDEA: Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act
LRE: Least Restrictive Environment
QIAT: Quality Indicators for Assistive Technology Services
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General Knowledge:
In this section you will find links to go to for general information about Assistive Technology.
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Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative: A Resource Guide for Teachers and Administrators About
Assistive Technology:
http://www.wati.org/content/supports/free/pdf/ATResourceGuideDec08.pdf
This website includes general information on AT, what it is, when it should be used, how it benefits students, how students
receive AT, what/how schools can obtain recommendations for students and equipment for AT. This website also provides: an
overview of the general laws including: the school districts responsibilities, the IEP team’s responsibilities, as well as, copy right laws
(regarding scanning textbooks for students with disabilities). It also provides information on the general process of obtaining AT for
students, borrowing/purchasing AT equipment, when to call in a consultant, types of AT for several different types of
disabilities/impairments, describing when devices may be needed, where to go for help/more information on the devices/disability or
impairment, as well as, lists of several other sources to obtain more information on AT devices, services, etc.
Family Guide To Assistive Technology:
http://www.pluk.org/AT1.html
This website is a great website for parents and or primary caregivers of children who may be in need of AT. This website
breaks down what AT is, how it benefits others in their everyday lives, as well as, in their education, defines/states the different laws
(IDEA, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, ADA) in terms that parents can understand what their rights are, as well as, what the
schools obligations are. This site also provides a list of the most common types of AT, when it is appropriate to use AT, information
on making formal assessments, evaluating the AT devices that are chosen to be trialed. It also provides information on how and where
to include AT in a child’s IEP, related services, parent responsibilities, definitions of devices, services, etc. Sample letters requesting
AT are attached, as well as, many different scenarios on obtaining AT for children. This site also provides information on funding:
ways funding is available, how to apply for funding, and what to do if you are denied funding, as well as, a list of both public and
private programs for AT, and other options for obtaining equipment (used equipment, loan programs).
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AccessIT: The National Center On Accessible Information Technology In Education:
http://www.washington.edu/accessit/articles?109
This website describes what Assistive Technology is, provides examples of different types of AT devices, describes what the
devices will be used for, as well as, who would benefit from using each device. This site also discusses the formal legal definition of
AT, as well as, when AT was written into the law including a link to the Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility
Standards (Section 508) of the 1998 Rehabilitation Act. This link walks you through the purpose, definitions, applications, products,
criteria, documentation, etc. in reference to the law. This website also provides a link to 165 other related articles which include
information on: accessibility, different laws that enable AT to be covered, as well as, articles on different types of technology,
software and other programs available.
NECTAC: The National Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center: Assistive Technology Overview:
http://www.nectac.org/topics/atech/overview.asp
Provides an overview of what assistive technology is, benefits of AT for infants and young children, accessing funding for AT
devices for infants and young children, the families role, AT in the natural and LRE, transition plans for AT devices, and a link to
policy letters that have been written over the years to clarify AT.
TSBVI: Assistive Technology:
http://192.188.148.10/recc/at.htm
This website provides links to several different sources of information on AT. These links include: books, assessment (forms,
kits, checklists), communication, family resources, curriculum, instructional strategies, internet accessibility, low tech solutions,
products, resources, technology loan programs, and training and tutorial programs.
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AT Law and Educational Law:
In this section you will find links to sites which provide information on the Assistive Technology and Educational Laws.
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LD Online: Assistive Technology Laws:
http://www.ldonline.org/article/Assistive_Technology_Laws
Provides brief summaries of many of the different laws that have impacted the use of AT in schools, the workplace and homes.
The laws include but are not limited to: ADA, IDEA, Assistive Technology Act of 1998, Telecommunications Act of 1996 Title I, and
many more. Underneath each of the different laws this website provides links to more information on each law.
The Assistive Technology Act of 2004: What Does It Say And What Does It Mean?
http://www.eric.ed.gov/PDFS/EJ842007.pdf
This website provides an overview of The Assistive Technology Act of 2004. To help you to see how the law has developed
and changed over the years a brief background about the law is discussed, this background moves from the original law in 1988 P.L.
100-407 Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals With Disabilities Act through the original reauthorizations. This website
provides information on the reauthorizations made in 2004, what they stated, how they affected the states, funding, and implications
for those needing AT.
NECTAC: The National Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center: Federal Laws and Regulations:
http://www.nectac.org/topics/atech/laws.asp
Provides a general overview of several of the laws, how they define AT, who is covered under the laws to receive AT,
reauthorizations of the laws, as well as, links to each of these specific laws for further information on what the laws specifically say in
regards to AT.
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AT Laws:
http://atto.buffalo.edu/registered/ATBasics/Foundation/Laws/index.php
This website provides several different links which are useful to teachers, administrators and parents. It walks you through:
Civil Rights Legislation, Special Education Legislation and AT Legislation by discussing the main laws and their reauthorizations
briefly and how these laws affect the students. This site also discusses the different mandates and schools responsibilities as stated
under the different laws. Not only does this site provide information on the different laws but it provides several other links to
interactive tools that would be very useful these links include: links to several different articles related to the laws, projects and AT,
tutorials which offer a step-by-step instructional process for using several different types of tools and software; a link titled AT
Decision Making which allows you to explore how AT decision are made and enables you to practice making these decisions by
exploring several different scenarios.
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AT Process:
In this section you will find links to sites with information on the Assistive Technology process, from making the initial decision to
recommend AT to following through after AT devices have been approved.
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Ann Arbor Public Schools Instructional Services: Assistive Technology (AT) Decision Making Process:
http://www.aaps.k12.mi.us/ins.home/siss.at/assistive_technology_decision_making_process
This site breaks down the general processes of requesting AT. It starts with a general overview of who should be involved in
the decision making process, what the three main decisions need to be when considering recommending a student for AT. It also
includes a breakdown of the actual decision making process by recommending what to consider while considering recommending a
child for AT (content area/class the student need AT for, tasks the student needs AT for, etc.). This site also breaks down the steps to
follow in order to recommend a child for AT (for Ann Arbor, but would apply to other schools as well). It also provides information
on what to do after the recommendation has been made, as well as, where to go in order to acquire the AT devices that students may
need.
AT Decision Making:
http://atto.buffalo.edu/registered/DecisionMaking/assessment.php
Explains the decision making process of AT as a puzzle. It breaks down the six inter-related components of the puzzle that you
will need to consider while making and working through the decision making process while considering and using AT for your
students. This site also provides an interactive tool which allows you to look at different scenarios and make decisions about the types
of devices to use, as well as, comparing your decisions about these students to others decisions on the site. It also provides an AT
planner, a resource room for teachers which provides: basic information on AT, assessment forms, the decision making process,
venders, funding, classroom strategies and modifications, and teacher tools which provide websites for training teachers on all of the
different devices.
The SETT Framework: Critical Areas to Consider When Making Informed Assistive Technology Decisions:
http://www.eric.ed.gov/PDFS/ED381962.pdf
This site provides an overview of the SETT Framework and the importance it plays in making decisions about students and the
AT devices that are best matched to the students and their needs. This site provides a list of the basic questions that should be asked in
each of section of the SETT Framework, as well as, information on: best practices, gathering information and the importance of
gathering information using several different methods. A SETT Framework planning sheet is attached for use in making decision.
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AT Assessments:
In this section you will find information on websites about the assessment process, how to follow the process, the steps of the process
and more.
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Assistive Technology Assessment Process:
http://www.ndipat.org/uploads/resources/385/microsoft-word---assistive-technology-assessment-process.pdf
This site provides a great summary of the assessment process for AT. It starts with giving information on the purpose of AT
assessments, breaks down the five major principles of AT, walks you through each of the nine steps of the AT assessment process,
explains the importance of AT assessment providers (what they do, why, etc.), provides a series of questions to ask AT providers and
concludes with a brief list of the benefits of AT for those in need of the devices.
Bright HUB: Assessments with Assistive Technology:
http://www.brighthub.com/education/special/articles/74055.aspx
This is an article which describes the essential parts of the AT assessment process. It includes a general overview of what an
AT assessment is, describes what constitutes a good AT assessment, and breaks down the steps of the assessment process, including
what the IEP teams recommendations should include and how to really determine if the device that has been selected in the best
device for the user.
TechACCESS of Rhode Island: Information and Resources on Assistive Technology:
http://www.techaccess-ri.org/techassess.html
Describes what an AT assessment is, who provides formal AT assessments, who can help with selecting an AT device, and
who can do an AT evaluation or assessment. It also provides information to help individuals decide if they need a formal assessment
for AT.
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Assistive Technology: A Framework for Consideration and Assessment:
http://www.doe.virginia.gov/special_ed/iep_instruct_svcs/assistive_technology/framework_assistive_technology.pdf
This site describes AT’s benefits, provides information and definitions of the laws, discusses universal design, considerations
in the IEP and the AT assessment. It describes who decides when an assessment is needed, considerations in terms of the duration and
depth of the assessment, what IDEA requires in an AT evaluation, QIAT’s (Quality Indicators for Assistive Technology Services)
seven indicators. It also describes the AT assessment team, who should make up the team, the five members of the team who should
always be present at every team meeting, additional team members, as well as, the assessment process itself.
Quality Indicators for Assessment of Assistive Technology Needs:
http://natri.uky.edu/assoc_projects/qiat/documents/2%20QIAT%20QIs%20Assessment.pdf
This site describes briefly the seven steps to a QIAT assessment, as well as, the intent of each of these seven steps. This site
also provides a list of the common errors that are made during the assessment process.
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Funding Sources:
In this section you will find links to information on funding sources and equipment loan programs.
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ABLEDATA Informed Consumer’s Guide to Funding Assistive Technology:
http://www.abledata.com/abledata_docs/funding.htm
On this site you will find a wide range of potential sources for funding and information of attaining funds for AT through
public, private and non-profit organizations. These particular organizations do not necessarily provide funding for AT themselves,
however, they provide assistance to people seeking funding by offering a variety of different sources for funding, as well as, strategies
to receive funding. This site also walks you through the application process, laying the groundwork, justifying the need for AT and
what to do if you are denied funding for AT. This site also provides a list of additional sources of funding related information and
assistance.
NECTAC: The National Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center:
http://www.nectac.org/topics/atech/funding.asp
Provides a list of funding options for parents and breaks each of these options down by siting different sections of the law and
excerpts from policy letters to explain how each one of these sources can be used to fund AT devices, and provides links to many of
these sources to enable you to gather more information on how funding works through these organizations.
UCP: United Cerebral Palsy: Assistive Technology Funding Search Tips:
http://www.ucp.org/ucp_channeldoc.cfm/1/14/86/86-86/2938
Provides a variety of different tips to aid those looking for funding AT devices. This site advocates documenting for yourself
how the equipment works for you, as well as, what to do if you do not feel that you are being given a fair chance to receive funding.
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Temple University: Institute on Disabilities: Funding for Assistive Technology:
http://disabilities.temple.edu/programs/assistive/fac/
This site provides general information on obtaining funding for AT through a variety of different sources. It also provides
information of PIAT (Pennsylvania’s Initiative on Assistive Technology) and how they can help you work through the funding
process. This site also provides information on several different associations the PIAT is associated with, including their contact
information on the website.
AbleData: Assistive Technology Equipment Loan Programs Information Center:
http://www.abledata.com/abledata.cfm?pageid=113573&top=32334&ksectionid=19326&stateorganizations=1
Provides a list of links, listed by state, to programs that loan equipment, provide training and funding in each of the fifty states in
regards to AT technology devices.
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AT Associations/list servers:
In this section you will find links to sites with information on specific organizations which provide loan services, funding
information, equipment loans, etc.
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NIDCD: National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders:
http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/directory/
A directory of the different organizations for those individuals with communication disorders, which provides links to
organizations based on each of the different communication disorders, describing what each organizations does/ the services they
provide, as well as, the contact information for each organization.
Broward Children’s Center:
http://www.bcckids.org/resourceslist.htm#Associations
Provides a list of several associations and organizations for AT, describing each of these organizations purposes and providing
links for more information and to contact each organization. This site also provides a list of government resources, parent support
resource lists, electronic journals and more.
Blindness-Related Resources on the Web and Beyond:
http://www.hicom.net/~oedipus/blind.html
Provides links to many different organizations and associations who provide services for those with blindness, deaf-blind and
vision loss or low vision. Along with a list of names this site also links you to each of these organizations pages where you can acquire
more information on what they do, as well as, information on how to contact these organizations.
Northeast Center for Special Care:
http://www.northeastcenter.com/links_assistive_technology_companies.htm
Provides links to a comprehensive list of organizations that provide information, support and funding for those who have any
number of different disabilities, ranging from brain injuries to neurological injuries.
I give permission for the information provided in this guide to be distributed/used.
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